NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt walked out during a one-on-one interview with Rick Nieman on WNL op Zondag. The leader of the fourth largest party in the Netherlands became visibly emotional when Nieman questioned him about his colleagues’ remarks on his emotional behavior during coalition negotiations.
Nieman suggested the negotiations were difficult because “in political The Hague, it was about you and your behavior,” and added, “In front of the camera, it’s said: Pieter Omtzigt cries, yells, and walks away.” Omtzigt replied diplomatically, “I found it unusual that some people began quoting confidential negotiations.” Nieman commented that Omtzigt was understating the situation. Omtzigt then sighed and asked to pause the interview, leaving the set momentarily.
He later returned to complete the interview. The segment was pre-recorded at Omtzigt’s request due to his condition.
In September, Omtzigt announced he would temporarily step back as party leader after an “extremely intense” year, returning to the House of Representatives in November amid a crisis atmosphere.
Source: NOS